People Choose Between Getting Stuffed, Buying Stuff or Both

Grey Thursday has fans and critics

GOLETA, Calif. - Hundreds of shoppers poured into the Best Buy in Goleta at 6 p.m. Thursday, skipping Thanksgiving dinner. Numbers were handed out to prevent trampling.

K-Mart workers started their shifts at 6 a.m. They said shoppers should not feel sorry for them because they have varying shifts that allow each of them a break for a Thanksgiving feast.

The manager of Charlotte Russe at the Camarillo Outlets said they opened before midnight Thursday as well. They promised bargains for night owls shopping at 3 a.m.

Some shoppers have said they wish stores remained closed on the holiday.

If California shoppers don't like the way early openings clash with the spirit of Thanksgiving, they may want to visit Maine, Massachusettes or Rhode Island where laws ban major chains from opening on Thanksgiving.